Greatfuel Agriculture, Iphupholwethu, Nolengka Farm and Timbali Win at Nedbank Green Economy Indaba; Nedbank Partners with Innovate Durban

MHS Farming, Greatful Agriculture and Malesedi participated in a Dragons’ Den-style pitching competition, where young entrepreneurs in the water and sanitation, waste and recycling, renewable energy, and regenerative agriculture sectors presented their businesses to a panel of industry leaders and professionals.

Encouraging

“South Africa should not view the green transition only as an environmental obligation.

“It also holds enormous potential both for broader industrialisation and small enterprise development,” said the Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Tembisa Ndabeni.

“We are encouraged by the work Nedbank and its partners are already undertaking through its Green Economy Social Impact Strategy, particularly the focus on youth partnerships in areas such as e-mobility, textile-waste recycling, the blue economy and sustainable agriculture,” added Ndabeni.

The event is a key pillar of the bank’s Green Economy Social Impact Strategy, which seeks to cultivate and scale enterprises that address environmental challenges while creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

“South Africa’s transition to a greener economy presents a significant opportunity to create sustainable jobs, unlock innovation and build more resilient communities,” said Poovi Pillay, executive head of the social impact unit at Nedbank.

“Through our Green Economy Social Impact Strategy, we are supporting entrepreneurs and enterprises developing solutions to some of our country’s most pressing challenges in water and sanitation, waste and recycling, renewable energy and regenerative agriculture.

“We believe that business can be a powerful force for good when innovation, funding and partnerships come together.”

Accelerating green enterprise growth

A further highlight of the indaba was the announcement of a new partnership between Nedbank and Innovate Durban, aimed at strengthening KwaZulu-Natal’s innovation ecosystem and accelerating green enterprise growth.

Through the partnership, qualifying enterprises will be able to access funding support of up to R200,000, helping innovators move from concept to commercialisation.

Emphasis will be placed on businesses led by youth, women and persons with disabilities, ensuring broader participation in South Africa’s emerging green economy.

“We recognise that no single organisation can drive South Africa’s green transition alone,” added Pillay.

“Partnerships are essential if we are to unlock the scale of impact required.

“Collaborating with organisations such as Innovate Durban allows us to combine resources, expertise and networks to create sustainable opportunities for entrepreneurs while helping communities thrive.”

Thriving green economy

The Nedbank Green Economy Indaba culminated in the awards, where this year’s winners exemplified the innovation, entrepreneurship and determination needed to build a thriving green economy.

The top winners for the evening were Greatfuel Agriculture, Iphupholwethu, Nolengka Farm and Timbali, with Indalo & R Labs also noted.

“Being able to play an integral part in this transition and make a lasting impact is one of the reasons why the Nedbank Social Impact strategy exists,” concluded Poovi.